Caffe De Luca. Wicker Park / Bucktown.

Caffe de Luca, a one-of-a-kind, charismatic café, is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. Whether you’re inconspicuously writing a novel or debating existentialism with a best friend, Caffe de Luca is one of Chicago’s better independent coffee shops. The inside looks like the quaintest Italian street – cracked walls, champagne advertisements, shutters for faux windows with laundry strung in between. It’s as underrated as a sleepy Tuscan town, warm and friendly, and far too cozy to be pretentious.

The menu offers paninis, pizzas, cheesecake, espressos and more. While the food is satisfying, it can be pricey, so unless you’re starving, settle down with a mocha or espresso and check out less-expensive neighborhood options later. Caffe de Luca is best on a weekday afternoon without the crowds, or weekday nights when mimosas and margaritas are half-off.